The World is Coming to Jerusalem
“Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 2:3).
This is going to be a very hectic week in Jerusalem as global leaders and heads of states from more than 40 countries will gather in our “home town” for the Fifth World Holocaust Forum, marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. US Vice President Mike Pence, Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Emanuel Macron, the UK’s Prince Charles and many other dignitaries will convene in Jerusalem not only to commemorate the liberation of Auschwitz, but also to discuss the war on global anti-Semitism.
This is going to be the largest diplomatic event in Israel’s history ever, and we who work and live in the Jerusalem region, are bracing for road closures and tight security throughout this week as dozens of VIP delegations move throughout the City to attend State ceremonies, Presidential dinners, and high level consultations. This is a BIG DEAL as global recognition is mounting up to oppose the rising campaign of anti-Semitism that is influencing the minds of billions under the banner of “Zionism = Racism.”
Following centuries of unashamed anti-Semitism popping up across the globe, the case was pressed unto an international stage during the 2001 U.N. sponsored World Conference against Racism known as Durban-I. That conference was effectively hijacked by Israel’s adversaries and turned into a pivotal modern-day international demonstration of organized anti-Jewish and anti-Israel hatred.
Awakened to the gravity of the threat, Israel founded the Global Forum against anti-Semitism, which brought together Jewish leaders and relevant Israeli agencies in order to develop and implement a coordinated counterattack. The new forum exposed the mass production of anti-Semitic and genocidal propaganda in the Arab and Islamic world, and uncovered how anti-Zionism tactics often employ the same historic anti-Semitic strategies of demonization, discrimination and double standards.
The “3D test” was implemented to help distinguish between legitimate criticism of Israel and blatant anti-Semitism. These 3D’s are (1) Demonization, (2) Double standards and (3) Delegitimization. Global leaders gradually noticed these practices and were persuaded to add their support to the truth that the delegitimization and demonization of the State of Israel is an expression of anti-Semitism. This support could not have come any sooner as anti-Semitism has risen over the past 20 years, morphing into open (often viral) anti-Israel sentiment across the world.
Unfortunately, some remain adversarial, and groups such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the World Council of Churches choose to ignore the truth and often stray into anti-Semitic rhetoric in their criticism of Israel. Consequently, this week’s Jerusalem global VIP gathering is an important step forward in this battle as world leaders will not only remember the Holocaust victims and horrors, but also engage in the important battle against anti-Semitic and anti-Israel sentiments worldwide.
This battle over the minds and hearts of billions of humans is not going to be won easily, and our trust and hope is in God. We deeply appreciate your friendship and support as together we stand upon the sure foundation of the word of God, which guarantees not only Israel’s unique purpose and destiny, but also welcomes all people and nations of good will and faith into His eternal dwellings.
Hoping to see you in Israel soon.
Reuven Doron
For your Sar-El Tours team